In Armenia, working in the tourism sector without notification may result in criminal liability
YEREVAN, August 18. /ARKA/. Persons providing tourism services in Armenia are required to notify the authorities of their activities. Otherwise, they may be subject to legal penalties, ranging from a fine to imprisonment, depending on the extent of the damage caused, stated Anahit Mkrtchyan, Head of the Tourism Policy Department of the Tourism Committee.
At a government meeting on August 13, 2026, a decision was made approving regulations for creation of a database of persons providing tourism services.
"The purpose of this regulation and digitalization is to make the notification process for persons providing tourism services simpler and more transparent, as well as to ensure its quick and accessible completion," Mkrtchyan said at a press conference.
According to her, this is part of the overall process of digitalizing public services for citizens.
Mkrtchyan stated that tourism service providers will be able to register on the notifytourism.gov.am platform through the "Yes Em" ("This is Me") identification system and then notify the Tourism Committee of their activities.
"The regulation establishes who will manage the database of tourism service providers, which government agencies will be able to use this database, the terms under which it will operate and be updated, and other provisions regarding its operation," she noted.
Speaking about the need for new regulations, Mkrtchyan stated that the Tourism Committee has received numerous complaints about unequal competitive conditions in the industry.
"Many business entities operating in compliance with all requirements encountered service providers who, without state registration, paying taxes, or hiring employees, were able to provide similar services and earn higher income," she explained.
According to Mkrtchyan, ensuring the security and accuracy of information provided to tourists was also a serious challenge.
The platform is already fully operational and is currently undergoing testing. The official launch will take place on October 15, coinciding with the entry into force of the government decision.
Data will be obtained through an interdepartmental collaboration system. This means that if a business entity has already submitted certain information on other government platforms, it will not need to re-submit this data.
After the full launch of the notification system, a list of all individuals and companies that have notified the provision of tourism services will be published on the official website of the Tourism Committee. Consumers and tourists will be able to check in advance whether a particular service provider has properly notified the government of their activities.
Although the platform will be fully operational on October 15, initially, only tour operators and agents may be required to submit notifications. Other service providers may join the system in stages, depending on its level of readiness.
According to the regulations, notification is for an indefinite period. Moreover, tourism service providers are required to pay an annual state fee, as notifiable activities entail an annual payment obligation.The state fee ranges from 5,000 to 150,000 drams, depending on the type of activity.-0-
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